The search is on for Bahrain’s most romantic poets just days before Cupid’s arrow hits the heartstrings with a fun contest encouraging GDN readers to put their literary talents to the test in verse.
The entry considered the most heart-warming will win the writer a fabulous St Valentine’s meal-for-two and vegan chocolates to enjoy, with two runners-up receiving a hamper of prized sweet-but-healthy delights.
The GDN has teamed up with Casa Mexicana Restaurant in Adliya for the prize of a three-course meal-for-two on February 14 and Raw Candy, with outlets at Almoayyed Tower and the Financial Harbour, for the prizes.
“We will announce and publish the top three entries in print, online and share them on all our social media outlets on the most romantic day of the year!” said GDN Media’s managing editor Stanley Szecowka.
And, readers can check out all the entries on www.gdnlife.com where our poets are invited to post their entries in the short story section of the popular community platform.
To inspire you, below is a poem considered to be one of the most romantic ever written. It was penned by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), an English poet of the Victorian era, who was caught up in her own epic love story, entitled How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43).
Born in County Durham, the eldest of 12 children, she wrote poetry from the age of six. At 15 she became ill, suffering intense head and spinal pain for the rest of her life. Later in life she also developed lung problems, possibly tuberculosis.
Her first adult collection of poems was published in 1838 and she wrote prolifically between 1841 and 1844, producing poetry, translation and prose. She campaigned for the abolition of slavery and her work helped influence reform in child labour legislation.
Elizabeth’s volume Poems (1844) brought her great success, attracting the admiration of writer Robert Browning. Their correspondence, courtship and marriage were carried out in secret, for fear of her father’s disapproval. Following the wedding she was indeed disinherited by her father. The couple moved to Italy in 1846, where she would live for the rest of her life.
The competition is now open to all ages until 5pm on February 10. Simply write your poem and post it in the SHORT STORY section of www.gdnlife.com after registering on the platform.
Please choose an image to highlight your verses and title your piece LOVE POEM with your name. Paste and copy your romantic words in the text box provided and send for approval.
Get writing ... you could be a winner!

‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death’.